Fruitful Living
Qur’an: A Book of Guidance beyond Ramadan (Pt.2)
The Structure of the Qur’an
The Qur’an consists of 114 chapters (Surahs), classified into Makkan and Madinan chapters:
•86 Makkan Surahs – Revealed in Makkah before migration, primarily focusing on faith, monotheism, and the Hereafter.
•28 Madinan Surahs – Revealed in Madinah, covering laws, governance, and societal justice.
Each chapter contains divine instructions, addressing spiritual, moral, and legal matters.
The Qur’an itself testifies about its revelation:
“The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for the people and clear proofs of guidance and criterion…” (Qur’an 2:185).
The first revelation occurred in the Cave of Hira, where Prophet Muhammad was commanded:
“Read in the name of your Lord who created—Created man from a clinging substance. Read, and your Lord is the Most Generous—Who taught by the pen—taught man that which he knew not” (Qur’an 96:1-5).
This event marked the beginning of divine communication between Allah and His final messenger.
The Quran as a book of Justice and Morality
“Indeed, Allah commands you to act with justice, to do good, and to give to relatives, and He forbids immorality, bad conduct, and oppression. He admonishes you so that you may take heed.” (Qur’an 16:90)
This text is often recited in Friday sermons (Khutbah) as a reminder to believers about the core values of Islam: justice, kindness, family ties, and avoidance of immorality and wrongdoing. It serves as a comprehensive command for ethical and moral behavior in both personal and societal affairs.
The Quran Commands Modesty in Dress code
“O Prophet, tell your wives and your daughters and the women of the believers to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments. That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful.” (Qur’an 33:59)
Explanation of the Verse:
This verse was revealed as a directive for Muslim women to wear the jilbab—a long, loose-fitting outer garment— that covers their bodies when they go out in public.
Allah commands the Prophet to instruct his wives, daughters, and all believing women to adopt a modest dress code to bring down over themselves [part] of their outer garments) instructs Muslim women to cover themselves in a way that distinguishes them as modest and chaste women.
That is more suitable that they will be known and not be abused. This means that modest dress helps identify believing women as respectable and pious, preventing harassment or harm from ill-intentioned people.
Allah’s Mercy in the Command
The verse ends with (And ever is Allah Forgiving and Merciful), showing that Allah’s commands are for the protection and honor of women, and those who struggle with observing them can seek His forgiveness and guidance.
The Qur’an as a Guide for All of Humanity
The Qur’an is not restricted to any race, nationality, or social class. It is a universal book meant to guide all of humanity—men and women, the rich and the poor, Arabs and non-Arabs. Allah says:
“And We have certainly made the Qur’an easy for remembrance, so is there any who will remember?” (Qur’an 54:17).
“And We have not sent you, [O Muhammad], except as a mercy to the worlds.” (Qur’an 21:107).
This means that no one is excluded from the mercy of the Qur’an. It is a guide for the lost, a source of hope for the despairing, and a moral code for all societies.
* The writer is the Metropolitan Chief Imam of Kpone Katamanso
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai – 1 BN Michel Camp, Tema
Fruitful Living
Eid-ul-Adha: A living legacy of faith, sacrifice, and devotion
We begin in the name of Allah, the Most Merciful, the Most Compassionate. We praise Him, seek His help and forgiveness, and seek refuge in Him from the evils of our souls and the wrongs of our actions.
May peace and blessings be upon the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), his family, his noble companions, and all those who follow his path until the Day of Judgment.
Understanding the essence
of Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, is one of the two major Islamic celebrations observed by Muslims across the world.
It commemorates the unwavering submission of Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham, peace be upon him) to Allah’s command when he was prepared to sacrifice his beloved son Isma’il (Ishmael, peace be upon him). Allah, in His infinite mercy, intervened and replaced the son with a ram, thus honouring Ibrahim’s sincerity and faith.
This moment of sacrifice is recorded in the Qur’an: “Then when they had both submitted and he put him down upon his forehead, We called out: ‘O Ibrahim! You have fulfilled the vision.’ Indeed, We thus reward the doers of good.” (Surah As-Saffat, 37:103–105)
This act of obedience is not merely a historical account. It is a living symbol that forms the essence of Eid-ul-Adha.
Ibrahim (A.S): The Architect
of Submission
Before the moment of sacrifice, Prophet Ibrahim and his family played critical roles in establishing Islam’s foundational pillars:
1. The building of the Ka‘bah
Prophet Ibrahim and his son Isma’il were chosen to construct the Ka‘bah, the sacred House of Allah in Makkah. The Qur’an records this noble moment:
“And [mention] when Ibrahim was raising the foundations of the House and [with him] Isma’il, [saying], ‘Our Lord, accept [this] from us. Indeed, You are the Hearing, the Knowing.’”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:127)
This structure remains the spiritual centre of Muslim worship, facing which over a billion Muslims direct their daily prayers.
2. The struggle of Hajar (Hajara) between Safa and Marwa
The mother of Isma’il, Hajar (Hajara), exemplifies a profound lesson of patience and faith. Left in the barren valley of Makkah with her infant, she ran between the hills of Safa and Marwa, desperately searching for water. Her perseverance was rewarded when the well of Zamzam sprang forth at the feet of her baby.
Her sincere struggle is now ritualised in Hajj as the Sa‘i between Safa and Marwa—a reminder of the role of women, the power of du‘a, and the value of trust in Allah’s provision.
Sacrifice at Mina and the
Rites of Jamarat
During Hajj, pilgrims reenact Ibrahim’s confrontation with Shaytan at Mina, where he rejected the devil’s temptation and cast stones at him. This act is now observed in Hajj as the ritual of stoning the Jamarat, symbolising the rejection of evil, temptation, and disobedience.
It is a vivid spiritual lesson: the path to Allah is one of resistance to distraction and sin, and one must be prepared to fight these forces with unwavering faith.
The essence of Arafat in Hajj
The Prophet Muhammad said:“Hajj is Arafah.” (Sunan al-Tirmidhi, 889)
Standing on the plain of Arafat, in deep humility and supplication, is the heart of Hajj. It represents the Day of Judgment, when all of humanity will stand before their Creator. The Prophet said: “There is no day on which Allah frees more people from the Fire than the Day of Arafah.” (Sahih Muslim, 1348)
For pilgrims, Arafat is a time of repentance, reflection, and renewal— and for non-pilgrims, fasting on that day is highly recommended.
Three core lessons from the
Sacrifice of Prophet Ibrahim
(A.S.)
1. Absolute obedience to Allah
Ibrahim’s willingness to sacrifice his son teaches that the essence of faith is unquestioning obedience to Allah. He prioritised divine command over emotion, logic, or comfort.
Takeaway:
In our lives, we must also be ready to put aside our desires, egos, and even attachments if they conflict with Allah’s instructions. This may involve sacrifices such as waking up for Fajr, staying away from haram income, or being truthful in difficult situations.
2. Sincere intention and inner sacrifice
The real essence of the sacrifice lies in the heart’s submission to Allah.
It is neither their meat nor their blood that reaches Allah, but it is your piety that reaches Him.”
(Surah Al-Hajj 22:37)
Takeaway:
Every act of worship should be grounded in sincerity. Whether it is prayer, charity, or sacrifice, what matters most is the purity of our intention.
3. Sacrifice for the greater good
The legacy of Eid-ul-Adha teaches us that sometimes, faith requires us to give up what we love for a greater purpose. Sacrificing wealth, time, or status in the path of Allah or for the benefit of others leads to spiritual elevation.
Takeaway:
Use your resources such as time, money, skills, for acts of benefit: support the poor, educate the young, assist the sick, and build your community.
Celebrating Eid-ul-Adha: A
Festival for all Muslims
Even for those who do not go on Hajj, Eid-ul-Adha holds immense significance. Muslims across the world participate in the act of Qurbani (sacrifice) to honor the tradition of Ibrahim (A.S.).
Types of animals and their
symbolism
Permissible animals include goats, sheep, cows, and camels. Each must meet a minimum age and be free of defects. The sacrificed animal is then divided into three parts: one for the family, one for relatives and friends, and one for the poor and needy.
This distribution reflects the spirit of sharing, compassion, and social responsibility—values at the heart of Islam.
The eternal message of Eid-ul-Adha
Eid-ul-Adha is not merely a celebration; it is a living tradition that calls us to:
• Submit like Ibrahim,
• Strive like Hajar,
• Sacrifice like Isma’il,
• Reflect like the pilgrims at Arafat.
May this Eid awaken within us a renewed commitment to obedience, sincerity, and compassion.
Let us make every Eid-ul-Adha a step forward in our spiritual journey, embodying the values of submission, sacrifice, and service to humanity. I wish every Muslim Eid Mubaarak
By Imaam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai
(Kpone Katamanso Metropolitan Chief Imaam)
Fruitful Living
Steps taken by government to combat illicit drugs (Final part)
The Minister for the Interior, Muntaka Mohammed-Mubarak, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking for a safer environment which would
go a long way to make Ghana a drug-free country. 3News.com (2025)
Solutions to Illicit Drugs from the Islamic perspective
are comprehensive and emphasise of both prevention and treatment:
Tarbiyah (Islamic nurturing): Instilling strong Islamic values from childhood through Qur’anic education, regular prayer, and association with righteous companions.
Community preaching (Da’wah): Imams must consistently raise awareness during khutbahs and Islamic programs about the dangers of drugs and the beauty of a sober, productive life.
Faith-based rehabilitation: Mosques and Islamic centers can partner with medical institutions to offer Qur’an therapy, spiritual counseling, and structured recovery programs.
Islamic youth clubs: Providing youth with halal entertainment, mentorship, and purposeful engagement can steer them away from harmful peer groups.
Zakat and Sadaqah: Channelling funds to support families of victims and establishing centres for rehabilitation.
Role of Parents, Society, Muslim Chiefs and Imams:
Parents must be vigilant and provide emotional support. A loving, nurturing home reduces a child’s vulnerability to drugs.
Society should de-stigmatize addiction. Drug users should be seen as patients needing healing, not criminals deserving rejection.
Muslim Chiefs must lead community campaigns, setting moral examples and supporting policy enforcement.
Imams must be more than religious leaders—they must become counsellors, educators, and advocates. Their leadership can shift public perception and guide collective action.
Conclusion
Illicit drugs pose one of the most dangerous threats to our society, undermining our religious values, harming our youth, and destroying our future. The Islamic position is clear and
Unequivocal: such substances are forbidden due to their destructive consequences on all aspects of life. Islam does not merely condemn the act but calls for a holistic response—spiritual, social, and structural.
As a society, particularly as Muslims, we must rise to confront this crisis with faith, compassion, and commitment. We must not only preach against drugs but actively work to rehabilitate victims, educate the next generation, and partner with public institutions to create a society of wellness and righteousness.
Recommendations
1. Introduce Islamic drug awareness education in madrasas and public schools, using Quran and Hadith-based materials to instill moral responsibility.
2. Create partnerships between the Ghana Narcotics Control Commission, Ghana Health Service, and Muslim organisations to develop culturally sensitive rehabilitation centres.
3. Train Imams and teachers in basic mental health and drug abuse counselling to serve as front-line responders in communities.
4. Utilise Friday sermons (khutbahs) nationwide to address the dangers of drug abuse periodically and provide practical steps for prevention.
5. Encourage community surveillance, where parents, chiefs, and youth groups report dealers and suspicious activities to the authorities.
6. Establish mentorship programmes in every Muslim community where successful, drug-free role models mentor youth.
7. Form interfaith coalitions, working across religious lines to tackle the drug menace as a national threat rather than a religious issue.
8. Provide job skills training for rehabilitated victims, helping them reintegrate into society and live dignified, self-sufficient lives.
By Imam Alhaji Saeed Abdulai, the Author
